Pros:
– Streamlining the U.S. Endangered Species List by removing extinct species maintains accuracy and reflects the current state of biodiversity.
– By acknowledging the extinction of these species, conservation efforts can shift focus and resources towards protecting endangered species that still have opportunities for recovery.
– Delisting extinct species may alleviate administrative burdens and allow for more efficient management of the Endangered Species Act.
Cons:
– Delisting extinct species can potentially send a negative message, undermining the importance of preventing future extinctions.
– Shrinking the U.S. Endangered Species List might lead to a decrease in public awareness and support for conservation efforts.
– The removal of these species from the list may have ecological implications, causing shifts in ecosystems and food chains that are difficult to predict.
context: https://gizmodo.com/u-s-endangered-species-list-gets-21-species-smaller-i-1850939096
The U.S. is bidding farewell to 21 long-lost species as they are officially acknowledged as extinct. These creatures, comprising of various birds and marine mammals, have been removed from the Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.